F3A European Championships 2026 underway...
CIAM Legends and rising stars gather for FAI F3A European Championship for Aerobatic Model Aircraft in France
- 8 August: Opening Ceremony
- 9-13 August: Competition Flights
- 14 August: Semi-finals
- 15 August: Finals, Closing Ceremony
Saint-Macaire-en-Mauges, France, 5 August 2026 – Europe’s leading Aerobatic Model Aircraft pilots have gathered in Saint-Macaire-en-Mauges, France for the 2026 FAI F3A European Championship for Aerobatic Model Aircraft running from 8-15 August. Among them are FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM) Legends with multiple titles and an upcoming generation of young pilots.
CIAM Legends are those who have won three or more world championships. France’s Christophe Paysant-Le Roux, who gained his ninth title in 2019 will compete against Gernot Bruckmann of Austria who has five world champion titles in the Indoor class of Aerobatic Model Aircraft. Finland’s Lassi Nurila, who gained a silver in the 2025 World F3A Championships in the USA, will also be present, as will Italy's Andrea Cervi who has been achieving podium places in this year's F3A World Cup. Juniors will participate, evidencing the popularity of the sport among a new generation.
Hosted by the Radio Control Aircraft club in Mauges (RAM) alongside the French Aero Club, pilots from Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and a guest participant from Iran will join the French team in this prestigious continental competition.
The championship is open to the public who will have opportunity to observe the incredible aerobatic skills of the competition flights and enjoy the atmosphere of this important date in the aeromodelling calendar, whilst also learning about the French region - Maine-et-Loire - playing host to the event.
Christian Bossard, President of the RAM, comments: “Organising a European Championship is a considerable challenge, but also a wonderful human adventure. It is the culmination of several decades of commitment by our volunteers to the sport of model aircraft flying and a unique opportunity to showcase our region.”
About F3A Aerobatic Model Aircraft
An F3A model aircraft has a fuselage length of no more than 2 metres and wingspan less than 2 metres. The weight must not exceed 5kg. The aircraft are powered by electric motor or internal combustion engine (silenced), and competitors’ meticulous aerobatic performance flights are made before a panel of judges in an aerobatic zone or "box".